While players are looking to add dash of spice to their Wimbledon whites, Roger Federer walked out to open his title defence, and break Bjorn Borg's record grasscourt streak, on a gloomy Monday wearing a cool cream blazer. He repeated the routine for the next match against Tim Henman too, fueling curiosity about the unusual attire.
"Well, Nike and myself, we thought after three Wimbledons, we could do something special," explained the Swiss in his post-match interview.
"They came up with the idea of a jacket, which I thought was pretty nice. The logo on it has three racquets for the three Wimbledons, it's got the grass logo, it's got the lion star sign, the Swiss cross, and Federer, so it's very nicely done. It's only one of a kind, so it's pretty nice."
Meanwhile, Federer has had two quick and comfortable days in office, winning his first two matches with ease. The world number one admitted even he has been struck by his own form as he seeks an eighth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
"I am also a little surprised how well I'm already playing in the beginning of the rounds here in Wimbledon," said the Swiss after handing Tim Henman a 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 mauling in the second round on Wednesday.
The Swiss could not have asked for a more difficult draw as he aims to join Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras as the only men to have won four successive titles here in the professional era.
He was expected to be tested by Richard Gasquet in the opening round as the talented Frenchman is one of only four players to have beaten the Swiss master since the beginning of 2005.
He passed that examination in straight sets to eclipse Borg's professional era record of 41 consecutive wins on grass.
Four-times semi-finalist Henman was also supposed to be a tricky opponent as the Briton held a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-heads going into the match.
NO FATIGUE
Federer simply moved up a gear and charged through to the third round in 85 blistering minutes
"I've had a different kind of a draw where people are expecting me to struggle more," acknowledged Federer.
"That I came through that convincingly obviously gives me a lot of confidence. Sends out maybe a little bit of a message for the other players."
Among those who will do well to take note include big-serving Croatian Mario Ancic, the last man to defeat Federer on grass in 2002, who could run into the top seed in the quarter-finals.
"I'm just very happy the way I've been playing," said Federer.
"I really expected really difficult matches and was even prepared to lose in a way, obviously.
"In beating two such great players so convincingly, I think it definitely gives you the feeling that you're playing very well.
"I have the feeling I'm playing excellent. I don't need to fight for rhythm or fight for this or that; it's all here already. I'm happy that there's no fatigue."
Having failed in his bid to become only the third player to hold all four grand slam titles at once when he was beaten by Rafael Nadal in the French Open final earlier this month, some players hoped that Federer would trip up in London.
Two matches was all it took for the Swiss to silence his rivals and Henman warned: "It's very difficult to see him getting beaten."
